WO2018064036A1 - Methods of culturing aurantiochytrium using acetate as an organic carbon source - Google Patents
Methods of culturing aurantiochytrium using acetate as an organic carbon source Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2018064036A1 WO2018064036A1 PCT/US2017/053432 US2017053432W WO2018064036A1 WO 2018064036 A1 WO2018064036 A1 WO 2018064036A1 US 2017053432 W US2017053432 W US 2017053432W WO 2018064036 A1 WO2018064036 A1 WO 2018064036A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- culture
- range
- microalgae
- acetate
- organic carbon
- Prior art date
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- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 87
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 title claims abstract description 87
- QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-M Acetate Chemical compound CC([O-])=O QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 title claims abstract description 86
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 75
- 238000012258 culturing Methods 0.000 title claims description 41
- 241001306132 Aurantiochytrium Species 0.000 title description 35
- QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Acetic acid Chemical compound CC(O)=O QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 216
- 241001467333 Thraustochytriaceae Species 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 239000002028 Biomass Substances 0.000 claims description 77
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 56
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 48
- 150000002632 lipids Chemical class 0.000 claims description 40
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 30
- 230000003816 axenic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 29
- 239000001963 growth medium Substances 0.000 claims description 25
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonia Chemical compound N QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 18
- 230000035508 accumulation Effects 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- CYQFCXCEBYINGO-IAGOWNOFSA-N delta1-THC Chemical compound C1=C(C)CC[C@H]2C(C)(C)OC3=CC(CCCCC)=CC(O)=C3[C@@H]21 CYQFCXCEBYINGO-IAGOWNOFSA-N 0.000 claims description 14
- 235000020660 omega-3 fatty acid Nutrition 0.000 claims description 14
- 229940012843 omega-3 fatty acid Drugs 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- XSQUKJJJFZCRTK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Urea Chemical compound NC(N)=O XSQUKJJJFZCRTK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000006372 lipid accumulation Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- DHMQDGOQFOQNFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycine Chemical compound NCC(O)=O DHMQDGOQFOQNFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 235000013923 monosodium glutamate Nutrition 0.000 claims description 8
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-O Ammonium Chemical compound [NH4+] QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-O 0.000 claims description 7
- WQZGKKKJIJFFOK-GASJEMHNSA-N Glucose Natural products OC[C@H]1OC(O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H]1O WQZGKKKJIJFFOK-GASJEMHNSA-N 0.000 claims description 7
- 229910021529 ammonia Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 7
- WQZGKKKJIJFFOK-VFUOTHLCSA-N beta-D-glucose Chemical compound OC[C@H]1O[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H]1O WQZGKKKJIJFFOK-VFUOTHLCSA-N 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000008103 glucose Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- SRBFZHDQGSBBOR-IOVATXLUSA-N D-xylopyranose Chemical compound O[C@@H]1COC(O)[C@H](O)[C@H]1O SRBFZHDQGSBBOR-IOVATXLUSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000010261 cell growth Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004202 carbamide Substances 0.000 claims description 5
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- 239000005715 Fructose Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- RFSUNEUAIZKAJO-ARQDHWQXSA-N Fructose Chemical compound OC[C@H]1O[C@](O)(CO)[C@@H](O)[C@@H]1O RFSUNEUAIZKAJO-ARQDHWQXSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004471 Glycine Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229930006000 Sucrose Natural products 0.000 claims description 4
- CZMRCDWAGMRECN-UGDNZRGBSA-N Sucrose Chemical compound O[C@H]1[C@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O[C@@]1(CO)O[C@@H]1[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O1 CZMRCDWAGMRECN-UGDNZRGBSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 235000013379 molasses Nutrition 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000005720 sucrose Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- PYMYPHUHKUWMLA-UHFFFAOYSA-N arabinose Natural products OCC(O)C(O)C(O)C=O PYMYPHUHKUWMLA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- SRBFZHDQGSBBOR-UHFFFAOYSA-N beta-D-Pyranose-Lyxose Natural products OC1COC(O)C(O)C1O SRBFZHDQGSBBOR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
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- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 8
- FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium chloride Chemical compound [Na+].[Cl-] FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 8
- 239000002609 medium Substances 0.000 description 8
- VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrochloric acid Chemical compound Cl VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 241000233671 Schizochytrium Species 0.000 description 6
- MBMBGCFOFBJSGT-KUBAVDMBSA-N all-cis-docosa-4,7,10,13,16,19-hexaenoic acid Chemical compound CC\C=C/C\C=C/C\C=C/C\C=C/C\C=C/C\C=C/CCC(O)=O MBMBGCFOFBJSGT-KUBAVDMBSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 231100000419 toxicity Toxicity 0.000 description 6
- 230000001988 toxicity Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000002054 inoculum Substances 0.000 description 5
- 235000015097 nutrients Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- USFZMSVCRYTOJT-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonium acetate Chemical compound N.CC(O)=O USFZMSVCRYTOJT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000005695 Ammonium acetate Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000007836 KH2PO4 Substances 0.000 description 4
- 235000019257 ammonium acetate Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 229940043376 ammonium acetate Drugs 0.000 description 4
- 235000020669 docosahexaenoic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229910000402 monopotassium phosphate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 235000019796 monopotassium phosphate Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- LPUQAYUQRXPFSQ-DFWYDOINSA-M monosodium L-glutamate Chemical compound [Na+].[O-]C(=O)[C@@H](N)CCC(O)=O LPUQAYUQRXPFSQ-DFWYDOINSA-M 0.000 description 4
- 239000004223 monosodium glutamate Substances 0.000 description 4
- GNSKLFRGEWLPPA-UHFFFAOYSA-M potassium dihydrogen phosphate Chemical compound [K+].OP(O)([O-])=O GNSKLFRGEWLPPA-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 4
- 239000011780 sodium chloride Substances 0.000 description 4
- 241000894007 species Species 0.000 description 4
- 229910021654 trace metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- WHUUTDBJXJRKMK-VKHMYHEASA-N L-glutamic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)[C@@H](N)CCC(O)=O WHUUTDBJXJRKMK-VKHMYHEASA-N 0.000 description 3
- 241001306135 Oblongichytrium Species 0.000 description 3
- VMHLLURERBWHNL-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium acetate Chemical compound [Na+].CC([O-])=O VMHLLURERBWHNL-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 3
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000003139 buffering effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000032823 cell division Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000010779 crude oil Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229940090949 docosahexaenoic acid Drugs 0.000 description 3
- 229930195712 glutamate Natural products 0.000 description 3
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000001632 sodium acetate Substances 0.000 description 3
- 235000017281 sodium acetate Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 241000003595 Aurantiochytrium limacinum Species 0.000 description 2
- 241000233675 Thraustochytrium Species 0.000 description 2
- 150000007513 acids Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 241001148470 aerobic bacillus Species 0.000 description 2
- 230000001580 bacterial effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000014113 dietary fatty acids Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- XBDQKXXYIPTUBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N dimethylselenoniopropionate Natural products CCC(O)=O XBDQKXXYIPTUBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229930195729 fatty acid Natural products 0.000 description 2
- 239000000194 fatty acid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004136 fatty acid synthesis Effects 0.000 description 2
- 150000004665 fatty acids Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000000855 fermentation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004151 fermentation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000012737 fresh medium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- IPCSVZSSVZVIGE-UHFFFAOYSA-N hexadecanoic acid Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(O)=O IPCSVZSSVZVIGE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-M hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-] XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 2
- JVTAAEKCZFNVCJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N lactic acid Chemical compound CC(O)C(O)=O JVTAAEKCZFNVCJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
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- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002572 peristaltic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 108090000623 proteins and genes Proteins 0.000 description 2
- GJBHGUUFMNITCI-QTNFYWBSSA-M sodium;(2s)-2-aminopentanedioate;hydron;hydrate Chemical compound O.[Na+].OC(=O)[C@@H](N)CCC([O-])=O GJBHGUUFMNITCI-QTNFYWBSSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 2
- DVSZKTAMJJTWFG-SKCDLICFSA-N (2e,4e,6e,8e,10e,12e)-docosa-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaenoic acid Chemical compound CCCCCCCCC\C=C\C=C\C=C\C=C\C=C\C=C\C(O)=O DVSZKTAMJJTWFG-SKCDLICFSA-N 0.000 description 1
- BJEPYKJPYRNKOW-REOHCLBHSA-N (S)-malic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)[C@@H](O)CC(O)=O BJEPYKJPYRNKOW-REOHCLBHSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 108020004463 18S ribosomal RNA Proteins 0.000 description 1
- GZJLLYHBALOKEX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 6-Ketone, O18-Me-Ussuriedine Natural products CC=CCC=CCC=CCC=CCC=CCC=CCCCC(O)=O GZJLLYHBALOKEX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- VHUUQVKOLVNVRT-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonium hydroxide Chemical compound [NH4+].[OH-] VHUUQVKOLVNVRT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004254 Ammonium phosphate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 241000206761 Bacillariophyta Species 0.000 description 1
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- 241001491666 Labyrinthulomycetes Species 0.000 description 1
- 101000596529 Mus musculus Neuronal vesicle trafficking-associated protein 2 Proteins 0.000 description 1
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- 240000002044 Rhizophora apiculata Species 0.000 description 1
- 240000004808 Saccharomyces cerevisiae Species 0.000 description 1
- KDYFGRWQOYBRFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Succinic acid Natural products OC(=O)CCC(O)=O KDYFGRWQOYBRFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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- BJEPYKJPYRNKOW-UHFFFAOYSA-N alpha-hydroxysuccinic acid Natural products OC(=O)C(O)CC(O)=O BJEPYKJPYRNKOW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 150000001413 amino acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
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- KDYFGRWQOYBRFD-NUQCWPJISA-N butanedioic acid Chemical compound O[14C](=O)CC[14C](O)=O KDYFGRWQOYBRFD-NUQCWPJISA-N 0.000 description 1
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- MNNHAPBLZZVQHP-UHFFFAOYSA-N diammonium hydrogen phosphate Chemical compound [NH4+].[NH4+].OP([O-])([O-])=O MNNHAPBLZZVQHP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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- KAUVQQXNCKESLC-UHFFFAOYSA-N docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) Natural products COC(=O)C(C)NOCC1=CC=CC=C1 KAUVQQXNCKESLC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 1
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- FEBLZLNTKCEFIT-VSXGLTOVSA-N fluocinolone acetonide Chemical compound C1([C@@H](F)C2)=CC(=O)C=C[C@]1(C)[C@]1(F)[C@@H]2[C@@H]2C[C@H]3OC(C)(C)O[C@@]3(C(=O)CO)[C@@]2(C)C[C@@H]1O FEBLZLNTKCEFIT-VSXGLTOVSA-N 0.000 description 1
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- 210000003463 organelle Anatomy 0.000 description 1
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- 102000004169 proteins and genes Human genes 0.000 description 1
- IUVKMZGDUIUOCP-BTNSXGMBSA-N quinbolone Chemical compound O([C@H]1CC[C@H]2[C@H]3[C@@H]([C@]4(C=CC(=O)C=C4CC3)C)CC[C@@]21C)C1=CCCC1 IUVKMZGDUIUOCP-BTNSXGMBSA-N 0.000 description 1
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- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
- C12N1/00—Microorganisms, e.g. protozoa; Compositions thereof; Processes of propagating, maintaining or preserving microorganisms or compositions thereof; Processes of preparing or isolating a composition containing a microorganism; Culture media therefor
- C12N1/12—Unicellular algae; Culture media therefor
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12P—FERMENTATION OR ENZYME-USING PROCESSES TO SYNTHESISE A DESIRED CHEMICAL COMPOUND OR COMPOSITION OR TO SEPARATE OPTICAL ISOMERS FROM A RACEMIC MIXTURE
- C12P7/00—Preparation of oxygen-containing organic compounds
- C12P7/64—Fats; Fatty oils; Ester-type waxes; Higher fatty acids, i.e. having at least seven carbon atoms in an unbroken chain bound to a carboxyl group; Oxidised oils or fats
- C12P7/6409—Fatty acids
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12P—FERMENTATION OR ENZYME-USING PROCESSES TO SYNTHESISE A DESIRED CHEMICAL COMPOUND OR COMPOSITION OR TO SEPARATE OPTICAL ISOMERS FROM A RACEMIC MIXTURE
- C12P7/00—Preparation of oxygen-containing organic compounds
- C12P7/64—Fats; Fatty oils; Ester-type waxes; Higher fatty acids, i.e. having at least seven carbon atoms in an unbroken chain bound to a carboxyl group; Oxidised oils or fats
- C12P7/6409—Fatty acids
- C12P7/6427—Polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFA], i.e. having two or more double bonds in their backbone
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12P—FERMENTATION OR ENZYME-USING PROCESSES TO SYNTHESISE A DESIRED CHEMICAL COMPOUND OR COMPOSITION OR TO SEPARATE OPTICAL ISOMERS FROM A RACEMIC MIXTURE
- C12P7/00—Preparation of oxygen-containing organic compounds
- C12P7/64—Fats; Fatty oils; Ester-type waxes; Higher fatty acids, i.e. having at least seven carbon atoms in an unbroken chain bound to a carboxyl group; Oxidised oils or fats
- C12P7/6409—Fatty acids
- C12P7/6427—Polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFA], i.e. having two or more double bonds in their backbone
- C12P7/6432—Eicosapentaenoic acids [EPA]
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12P—FERMENTATION OR ENZYME-USING PROCESSES TO SYNTHESISE A DESIRED CHEMICAL COMPOUND OR COMPOSITION OR TO SEPARATE OPTICAL ISOMERS FROM A RACEMIC MIXTURE
- C12P7/00—Preparation of oxygen-containing organic compounds
- C12P7/64—Fats; Fatty oils; Ester-type waxes; Higher fatty acids, i.e. having at least seven carbon atoms in an unbroken chain bound to a carboxyl group; Oxidised oils or fats
- C12P7/6409—Fatty acids
- C12P7/6427—Polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFA], i.e. having two or more double bonds in their backbone
- C12P7/6434—Docosahexenoic acids [DHA]
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
- C12N2500/00—Specific components of cell culture medium
- C12N2500/30—Organic components
- C12N2500/32—Amino acids
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
- C12N2500/00—Specific components of cell culture medium
- C12N2500/30—Organic components
- C12N2500/34—Sugars
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
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- C12N2501/00—Active agents used in cell culture processes, e.g. differentation
- C12N2501/999—Small molecules not provided for elsewhere
Definitions
- Culturing microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family in heterotrophic conditions has traditionally been performed using glycerol or glucose-based organic carbon sources (See Xie, Y., and Wang, G. (2015). Mechanisms of fatty acid synthesis in marine fungus-like protists. Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 99, 8363-8375. doi: 10.1007/s00253-015-6920-7).
- Use of such organic carbon sources in a culturing method has been shown to result in productive cultures, but requires the culture conditions to remain sterile in order for the productivity to be realized on a consistent basis.
- sterile when applied to a culture of a target microorganism, such as a particular microalgae (e.g., a Thraustochytriaceae family microalgae, such as mAurantiochytrium) is used in place of the term “axenic”, meaning mat only the target microorganism(s) is/are present in detectable quantities.
- axenic e.g., a Thraustochytriaceae family microalgae, such as mAurantiochytrium
- microalgae including microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family
- glycerol or glucose are used as the organic carbon supply in a heterotrophic microalgae culture that is not sterile
- the microalgae face substantial competition from contaminating organisms within the culture.
- Culturing heterotrophic microalgae in sterile conditions comes at a high cost, especially at the commercial level. Depreciation cost typically accounts for 15-30 % of the production costs due to the high capex associated with sterile fermentation technology.
- large microalgae cultures comprise a large number of opportunities for the sterility conditions to be compromised due to the number of inputs in a culture (e.g., media, organic carbon, gases), the scale up process that involves transfer between multiple bioreactor systems, the number of steps in a sterilization protocol for equipment that is of an industrial scale size, and the length of the culturing process (e.g., days or weeks).
- Embodiments include using acetate or acetic acid in combination with other organic carbon sources and with a pH auxostat system
- a method of growingAurantiochytrium using acetate as the sole organic carbon source or in combination with other organic carbon sources in axenic or non-axenic conditions is also described.
- FIG. 1 shows a graph of cell dry weight for a culture of Aurantiochytrium reflecting an exemplary aspect of the invention.
- microalgae refers to any microorganisms classified as microalgae, cyanobacteria, diatoms, dinoflagellates, or other similar single cell microorganisms, whether freshwater or marine, capable of growth in phototrophic, mixotrophic, or heterotrophic culture conditions.
- the described methods may be used with microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family such as Aurantiochytrium.
- the inventors developed a culturing method in which at least one of acetate and acetic acid is supplied as an organic carbon source while also contributing to the creation of an environment of growth restrictive culture conditions mat favor the microalgae over the contaminating organisms, such as bacteria.
- Taxonomic classification has been in flux for microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family, particularly the genus Schizochytrium. Some microalgae previously classified as Schizochytrium have been reclassified as Aurantiochytrium, Thraustochytrium, or Oblongichytrium. See Yokoyama et al.
- Thraustochytrids such as Schizochytrium, Aurantiochytrium, Thraustochytrium, and Oblongichytrium appear closely related in many taxonomic classification trees for microalgae, and strains and species may be re-classified from time to time.
- Aurantiochytrium it is recognized that microalgae strains in related taxonomic classifications with similar characteristics to Aurantiochytrium would reasonably be expected to produce similar results.
- first Aurantiochytrium is capable of utilizing acetate or acetic acid as an organic carbon source
- second Aurantiochytrium is capable of proliferating in an environment where a residual acetate concentration creates an environment that favors Aurantiochytrium over other heterotrophic contaminates (i.e., an environment of acetate toxicity).
- the inventors where able to successfully culture Aurantiochytrium utilizing acetate or acetic acid as an organic carbon source for biomass and lipid production, in axenic and non-axenic conditions, which provides the flexibility of choosing from a variety of bioreactor system and culture conditions for a cost effective commercial process.
- pH auxostat refers to the microbial cultivation technique that couples the addition of fresh medium (e.g., medium containing organic carbon or acetic acid) to pH control. As the pH drifts from a given set point, fresh medium is added to bring the pH back to the set point. The rate of pH change is often an excellent indication of growth and meets the requirements as a growth-dependent parameter. The feed will keep the residual nutrient concentration in balance with the buffering capacity of the medium The pH set point may be changed depending on the microorganisms present in the culture at the time.
- fresh medium e.g., medium containing organic carbon or acetic acid
- the microorganisms present may be driven by the location and season where the bioreactor is operated and how close the cultures are positioned to other contamination sources (e.g., other farms, agriculture, ocean, lake, river, waste water).
- the rate of medium addition is determined by the substrate consumption rate of the microorganism and the buffering capacity of the media
- the pH auxostat controls nutrient concentration indirectly (i.e., based on pH) and therefore the buffering capacity of the media may have an impact on the residual acetate and ultimately in the toxicity of the media
- the pH level represents the summation of the production of different ionic species and ion release during carbon and nutrient uptake.
- the inventive method utilizes a pH auxostat to provide at least one of supply acetic acid to the microalgae culture as a source of organic carbon, a method of maintaining the culture pH in a desired range, and a method of maintaining the residual acetate concentration (i.e., acetate toxicity conditions) in a desired range.
- the pH auxostat system may comprise a solenoid valve, a peristaltic pump, a pH probe and a pH controller.
- the pH auxostat system may comprise a drip application device controlled by a needle valve, a metering pump or a peristaltic pump, and a pH controller.
- the pH controller may be set at a threshold level (i.e., set point) and activate the auxostat system to supply acetic acid to the culture when the measured pH level is above the set threshold level.
- the frequency of pH measurements, administration of acetic acid by the auxostat system, and mixing of the culture are controlled in combination to keep the pH value substantially constant.
- the acetic acid feed may be diluted in water to a concentration below 100% and as low as 0.5%, with a preferable concentration between 15% and 50%.
- the acetic acid may be at concentrations below 10% in order to continuously dilute the culture of microorganisms.
- the acetic acid may be mixed together with other nutrient media, acids, or organic carbon sources.
- the creation and control of a residual acetate concentration in the culture medium is not inherent in a pH auxostat system
- the toxicity of the environment is governed by a variety of factors, such as but not limited to, the total concentration of acetate in the culture and the pH of the culture; and thus the residual acetate concentration forming the toxicity condition is controlled by the initial concentration of acetate and the supply of acetic acid through the pH auxostat.
- acetate or acetic acid may be supplied as a batch.
- microalgae While some microalgae are known to use acetate or acetic acid as a carbon source, the inventors determined that too much acetate can also be toxic to microalgae and thus acetate tolerance limits may vary among microalgae.
- the indiscriminate use of acetic acid in a microalgae culture contaminated with bacteria may negatively affect the bacteria, but may also negatively affect the microalgae if the residual acetate concentration formed in the culture is above the tolerance limit of the microalgae.
- the residual acetate level could increase or decrease as a function of growth of the microorganisms.
- the most common situation is an acetate decrease caused by organic acid production and ammonium uptake.
- the residual acetate level will rise with growth because the consumption of those nutrients.
- the microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family may be cultured with at least one of acetate and acetic acid in flasks in an aqueous culture medium before the culture is scaled up to a larger volume and bioreactor.
- a flask culture may comprise a volume in the range of 0.1 to 1 liters, a culture temperature in the range of 20°C to 40°C, a culture pH in the range of 4-9, and an initial inoculation density of 0.1-1.0 g/L.
- the flask culture may achieve a culture density of up to 100 g/L.
- the flask culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 20-22°C. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 22-24°C. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 24-26°C. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 26-28°C. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 28-30°C. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 30-32°C.
- the flask culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 32-35°C. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 3S-38°C. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 38-40°C.
- the flask culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 4-5. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 5-6. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 6-7. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 7-8. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 8-9.
- the flask culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.1-0.2 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.2-0.3 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.3-0.4 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.4-0.5 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.5-0.6 g/L.
- the flask culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.6-0.7 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be inoculated at a density' in the range of 0.7-0.8 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.8-0.9 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.9-1.0 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be inoculated at a density of up to 5 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be inoculated at a density of up to 10 g/L.
- the flask culture may be inoculated at a density of up to 15 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be inoculated at a density of up to 20 g/L. In some embodiments, it may be preferred to inoculate a culture at a density of less than 10 g/L because it requires less biomass to start the process.
- the flask culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 1-10 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 10-20 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 20-30 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 30-40 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 40-50 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 50-60 g/L.
- the flask culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 60-70 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 70-80 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 80-90 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 90-100 g/L.
- the flask culture may achieve a culture density up to 150 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density up to 200 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density up to 250 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density up to 300 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density up to 400 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density up to 500 g/L.
- the microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family may be cultured with at least one of acetate and acetic acid in a bag bioreactor in an aqueous culture medium before the culture is scaled up to a larger volume and bioreactor.
- bag bioreactor culture may comprise a volume in the range of 50 to 1,000 liters, a culture temperature in the range of 20°C to 40°C, a culture pH in the range of 4-9, and an initial inoculation density of 0.1-1.0 g/L.
- the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density of up to 100 g/L.
- the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon of up to 0.55. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon of up to 0.30. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may- achieve a lipid productivity rate of up to 1.0 g/L/hr.
- the methods of the invention are characterized by increasing the biomass concentration in the culture by any detectable amount. In other aspects, the biomass concentration is increased by at least 10% over the starting biomass. In still further facets, the biomass concentration is increased by at least 50%, such as at least 100% (i.e., doubled or 2x/two-fold) over the starting culture.
- Hie biomass concentration can be increased by methods of the invention at least 3x (increased more than 200% or 200%+), at least 4x (increased 300%+), 5x (increased 400%+), at least 6x (increased 500%+), at least lOx (increased 900%+), at least 12x (increased 1100%+), at least 15x (increased 1400%+), at least 20x (increased 1900%+), at least 25x (increased 2400%+), or even at least 30x (increased 2900%+).
- the increase in concentration of biomass (typically measured in g/L) obtained by practice of methods of the invention is in the range of 500%-4000%, such as 500%-3750%, for example 1000%-3750%, 2000%-3750%, 1000%-4000%, 2000%-4000%, 2500%-4000%, 2500%-3750%, 3000%-4000%, or 3000%-3750%.
- the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 20-22°C. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 22-24°C. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 24-26°C. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 26-28°C. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 28-30°C. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 30- 32°C.
- the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 32-35°C. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 35-38°C. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 38-40°C.
- the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 4-5. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 5-6. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 6-7. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 7-8. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 8-9. [0024] In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.1-0.2 g/L.
- the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.2-0.3 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.3-0.4 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.4-0.5 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.5-0.6 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.6-0.7 g/L.
- the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.7-0.8 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.8-0.9 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.9-1.0 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density of up to 5 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density of up to 10 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density of up to 15 g/L.
- the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density of up to 20 g/L. In some embodiments, it may be preferred to inoculate a culture at a density of less than 10 g/L because it requires less biomass to start the process.
- the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 1-10 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 10-20 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 20-30 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 30-40 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 40-50 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 50-60 g/L.
- the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 60-70 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 70-80 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 80-90 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 90-100 g/L.
- the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density a culture density up to 150 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density a culture density up to 200 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density a culture density up to 250 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density a culture density up to 300 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density a culture density up to 400 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density a culture density up to 500 g/L.
- the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.1-0.2. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weightyield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.2-0.3. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.3-0.4. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.4-0.5. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.5-0.55.
- the bag bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty' acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.10-0.15. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.15-0.20. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.20-0.25. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weightyield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.25-0.30.
- the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.1-0.2 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.2-0.3 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.3-0.4 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.4-0.5 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.5-0.6 g/L.
- the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.6-0.7 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.7-0.8 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.8-0.9 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.9-1.0 g/L.
- the microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family may be cultured with at least one of acetate and acetic acid in an open bioreactor in an aqueous culture medium
- the open bioreactor may be disposed outdoors.
- open bioreactor culture may comprise a volume of up to 500,000 liters, a culture temperature in the range of 20°C to 40°C, a culture pH in the range of 4-9, and an initial inoculation density of 0.1-10 g/L.
- the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density of up to 200 g/L.
- the open bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon of up to 0.55. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon of up to 0.30. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate of up to 1.0 g/L/hr. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate of up to 60 g/L/day.
- the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 20-22°C. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 22-24°C. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 24-26°C. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 26-28°C. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 28-30°C. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 30- 32°C.
- the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 32-35°C. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 35-38°C. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 38-40°C.
- the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 4-5. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 5-6. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 6-7. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 7-8. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 8-9.
- the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.1 -0.2 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.2-0.3 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.3-0.4 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.4-0.5 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.5- 0.6 g/L.
- the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.6-0.7 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.7-0.8 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.8-0.9 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.9-1.0 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density of up to 5 g/L.
- the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density of up to 10 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density of up to 15 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density of up to 20 g/L. In some embodiments, it may be preferred to inoculate a culture at a density of less than 10 g/L because it requires less biomass to start the process.
- the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density' in the range of 1-10 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 10-20 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 20-30 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 30-40 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 40-50 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 50-60 g/L.
- the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 60-70 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 70-80 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 80-90 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 90-100 g/L. [0035] In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density a culture density up to 150 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density a culture density up to 200 g/L.
- the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density a culture density' up to 250 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density a culture density up to 300 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density a culture density up to 400 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density a culture density up to 500 g/L.
- the open bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.1-0.2. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.2-0.3 g. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.3-0.4. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weightyield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.4-0.5. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.5-0.55.
- the open bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.01-0.05. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.05-0.10. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.10- 0.15 In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range 0.15-0.20. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.20-0.25. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.25- 0.30.
- the open bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.1-0.2 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity' rate in the range of 0.2-0.3 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.3-0.4 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.4-0.5 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.5-0.6 g/L.
- the open bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.6-0.7 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.7-0.8 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.8-0.9 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.9-1.0 g/L.
- the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 1-2 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 2-3 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 3-4 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 4-5 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 5-6 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 6-7 g/L/day.
- the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 7-8 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 8-9 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 9-10 g/L/day.
- the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 10-15 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 15-20 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 20-30 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 30-40 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 40-50 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 50-60 g/L/day.
- the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 60- 70 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 70-80 g/L/day.
- the microalgae culture may be cultured at a residual acetate range of 0.1-1 g/L. In some embodiments, the microalgae culture may be cultured at a residual acetate range of 1-10 g/L. In some embodiments, the microalgae culture may be cultured at a residual acetate range of 10-20 g/L. In some embodiments, the microalgae culture may be cultured at a residual acetate range of 20-40 g/L. In some embodiments, the microalgae culture may be cultured at a residual acetate range of 40-60 g/L.
- the microalgae culture may be cultured at a residual acetate range of 60-80 g/L. In some embodiments, the microalgae culture may be cultured at a residual acetate range of 80-100 g/L.
- the nitrogen source for the culture may comprise monosodium glutamate (MSG), ammonia, ammonium (e.g., ammonium hydroxide, ammonium phosphate, ammonium acetate), urea, nitrates, glycine or a combination thereof.
- the aqueous culture medium may comprise trace metals, vitamins, minerals, and combinations thereof.
- the culture may comprise an organic carbon source in addition to acetic acid and acetate, and consist of at least one selected from the group comprising: glycerol, glucose, sucrose, fructose, molasses, other suitable sugars, other suitable refined industrial by-product streams, or a combination thereof.
- the culture may comprise an initial concentration of acetate and receive a subsequent supply of acetic acid as the organic carbon source.
- a portion of the acetic acid used in the method may be replaced by other organic salts or acids such as lactic acid, propionic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, and combinations thereof.
- acetic acid may be used to stabilize a medium that is fed into a culture operating in a continuous culturing mode.
- the continuous culturing mode may comprise a single stage (i.e., growth through biomass accumulation and cell division, or lipid accumulation) instead of two or more stages focused on either growth in one stage and accumulation of a metabolite (e.g., lipids) in another stage or stages.
- the continuous mode may comprise nitrogen sufficient conditions.
- the continuous mode may comprise nitrogen deficient conditions.
- the supply of acetic acid may be terminated prior to harvesting the organisms to induce an increase in culture pH.
- cultures in different volumes or different bioreactors may have the same nitrogen source. In some embodiments, cultures in different volumes or different bioreactors may have different nitrogen sources. In some embodiments, cultures in different volumes or different bioreactors may have the same organic carbon source. In some embodiments, cultures in different volumes or different bioreactors may have different organic carbon sources. In some embodiments, cultures in different volumes or different bioreactors may have the same culturing temperature. In some embodiments, cultures in different volumes or different bioreactors may have different culturing temperatures. In some embodiments, cultures in different volumes or different bioreactors may have the same culture pH value. In some embodiments, cultures in different volumes or different bioreactors may have different culture pH values. In some embodiments, cultures in different volumes or different bioreactors may have the same inoculation density. In some embodiments, cultures in different volumes or different bioreactors may have different inoculation densities.
- the Aurantiochytrium may be transferred between different bioreactors of increasing volume multiple times in the process of scaling the volume of the culture up over the life of the culture.
- the first culturing stage may occur in a flask.
- a culture in a flask may be transferred to a bag bioreactor of a volume larger than the flask for the second culturing stage.
- a culture in a bag bioreactor may be transferred to an open bioreactor of volume larger than the bag bioreactor for the third stage of culturing.
- the flask bioreactor may be sterile and maintain the culture of Aurantiochytrium in axenic conditions.
- the culture ⁇ Aurantiochytrium may be maintained as axenic during transfer to the bag bioreactor.
- the bag bioreactor may be sterile and maintain the culture of Aurantiochytrium in axenic conditions.
- the culture of Aurantiochytrium may not be axenic, and may be cultured in non-axenic conditions.
- the flask may be non-sterile.
- the bag bioreactor may be non-sterile.
- the open bioreactor may be any bioreactor that is not closed including, but not limited to, a trough, a tank, a pond, and a raceway pond.
- the Aurantiochytrium biomass may be harvested from the culture and separated from the aqueous culture medium by any suitable method known in the art such as, but not limited to, filtration, centrifugation, settling, decanting, dissolved air flotation, and skimming.
- the culture density may be high enough that the biomass is not separated from the aqueous culture medium before further processing.
- the Aurantiochytrium biomass may be further processed to isolate the oil from the biomass by any suitable method known in the art such as, but not limited to, mechanical extraction, solventless extraction, extraction with a solvent, and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction.
- the Aurantiochytrium biomass or isolated oil may be further processed to produce a suitable processed product by methods known in the art such as, but not limited to, pasteurization, drying, cell disruption (e.g., milling, pressing), cell lysing, hydrothermal liquefaction, esterification, winterization, refining, urea crystallization, bleaching, deodorizing, distillation, and hydrotreatment.
- the Aurantiochytrium may be cultured with at least one of acetate and acetic acid in a closed sterile fermenter in an aqueous culture medium.
- the closed sterile (axenic) fermenter may be constructed from glass, stainless steel, or any other suitable material.
- closed sterile fermenter culture may comprise a culture temperature in the range of 20°C to 40°C, a culture pH in the range of 4-9, and an initial inoculation density of 0.1-10.0 g/L.
- the closed sterile fermenter culture may achieve a culture density of up to 500 g/L.
- the closed sterile fermenter culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon of up to 0.55. In some embodiments, the closed sterile fermenter culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon of up to 0.30. In some embodiments, the closed sterile fermenter culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate of up to 1.0 g/L/hr. In some embodiments, the closed sterile fermenter culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate of up to 60 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the closed sterile fermenter culture may receive an organic carbon supply comprising at least one of acetate and acetic acid as described throughout the specification, such as for the flask culture, bag bioreactor culture, and open bioreactor culture.
- the culture process may comprise a combination of culturing in stages with sterilized bioreactors and non-sterilized bioreactors.
- an inoculum culture may be produced in a sterilized bioreactor where cell division and biomass accumulation primarily occurs at a low C:N ratio, and men is transferred to a sterilized or non- sterilized bioreactor of a larger volume as a culture comprise a percent solids in the range of 1- 20%.
- the inoculated culture may have a percent solids in the range of 1-5%.
- the inoculated culture may have a percent solids in the range of 5-10%.
- the inoculated culture may have a percent solids in the range of 10-15%. In some embodiments, the inoculated culture may have a percent solids in the range of 15-20%.
- the final stage of culturing in a sterilized or non- sterilized bioreactor may comprise nitrogen supplied as a batch. In some embodiments, the final stage of culturing in a sterilized or non-sterilized bioreactor may comprise nitrogen limited conditions and primarily the accumulation of lipids.
- the culture process may comprise a combination of culturing in stages with sterilized bioreactors and non-sterilized bioreactors.
- an inoculum culture may be produced in a sterilized bioreactor where cell division and biomass accumulation primarily occurs at a low C:N ratio, and then is transferred to a sterilized or non- sterilized bioreactor of a larger volume as a culture comprise a percent solids in the range of 1- 10%.
- the inoculated culture may have a percent solids in the range of
- the inoculated culture may have a percent solids in the range of
- the inoculated culture may have a percent solids in the range of
- the inoculated culture may have a percent solids in the range of
- the inoculated culture may have a percent solids in the range of
- the inoculated culture may have a percent solids in the range of 7-10%.
- the final stage of culturing in a sterilized or non-sterilized bioreactor may comprise nitrogen supplied as a batch or supplied as a feed with the organic carbon.
- the final stage of culturing in a sterilized or non-sterilized bioreactor may comprise nitrogen sufficient conditions and the concurrent production of cell growth for biomass accumulation and lipid accumulation.
- an inoculum culture may be produced in a sterilized bioreactor and used to inoculate a non-sterilized bioreactor operating as a semi-batch non- axenic process to primarily produce lipid accumulation with little to no cell growth and biomass accumulation.
- an inoculum culture may be produced in a sterilized bioreactor and used to inoculate a non-sterilized bioreactor operating as a semi- batch non-axenic process to produce both biomass accumulation through cell growth and lipid accumulation concurrently.
- a sterilized or non-sterilized bioreactor may operate as a single phase continuous culture, wherein single phase is defined as producing only biomass accumulation through growth, only lipid accumulation, or both biomass accumulation through growth and lipid accumulation concurrently.
- an inoculum culture may be produced in a sterilized bioreactor and used to inoculate a sterilized bioreactor operating as a semi-batch axenic process with a first stage comprising primarily biomass accumulation through cell growth in low C:N conditions and a second stage comprising primarily lipid accumulation in nitrogen limited conditions.
- the exemplary strain HS399 was identified through genetic analysis as having high similarities to species of Aurantiochytrium, and was isolated from an aquatic mangrove environment with characteristics similar to where literature has identified species of Schizochytrium have previously been isolated from
- Aurantiochytrium sp. (HS399) was cultured in method utilizing acetate and acetic acid as an organic carbon source to produce biomass with the profile shown in Table 1.
- Aurantiochytrium sp. (HS399) was cultured in method utilizing acetate and acetic acid as an organic carbon source to produce biomass with the profiles shown in Tables 2-3.
- Aurantiochytrium sp. (HS399) was cultured in method utilizing acetate and acetic acid as an organic carbon source to produce biomass, whereupon a solventless extraction process was performed to produce the crude oil with the exemplary profiles in Table 4, and the residual biomass with the exemplary profiles in Table 5.
- the residual biomass profile 3 resulted from a French press process using a fiber to aid separation of oil and biomass.
- the crude oil was then subjected to a winterization process using a polar solvent and lower temperatures to precipitate compounds from the crude oil.
- the multiple exemplary profiles of the DHA rich fraction, as well as an exemplary profile of the palmitic acid rich fraction resulting from the winterization process in weight percentage are shown in Table 6.
- Aurantiochytrium sp. HS399 is able to grow using acetate as an organic carbon source.
- Aurantiochytrium was grown in an acetic acid/pH-auxostat mode in 700 ml bubble column at 27°C in sterile conditions.
- the initial culture medium was supplemented and 0.5 g/L sodium acetate and no other organic carbon source.
- the base medium contained : sodium acetate (1 g/L), monosodium glutamate monohydrate (2.5 g/L) NaCl (12.5 g/L), MgS04 7H 2 0 (2.5 g/L), KC1 (0.5 g/L), CaCb (0.1 g/L), KH2PO4 (0.125 g/L) vitamins (0.25 ml/L) and trace metal (1.25 ml/L). Trace and vitamins stocks were prepared according to Ashford, et al. 2000. Lipids 35, 1377-1386 The residual acetic acid was maintained at 1 ⁇ 0.5 g/L and the impact of acetate toxicity on the microalgae growth was studied at a pH set point of 5, 4.5 or 7.
- the bag bioreactor culture was cultured from an inoculation density of 0.2 g/L until the culture density reached 10-20 g/L.
- the bag bioreactor culture received mixture of half glycerol and half acetate as an organic carbon source and was cultured at a pH of about 6.
- the bag bioreactor culture was transferred to a non-sterile open raceway pond bioreactor with a volume of about 18,000 L and disposed outdoors.
- the non-axenic culture was cultured from an inoculation density of about 0.2 g/L until the culture density reached 10- 20 g/L.
- the open bioreactor culture received acetic acid through a pH auxostat system where the pH set point was 5.5. Results of the culturing in the open bioreactor stage are shown in Tables 9, 10, 11, and 12.
- the culturing method using acetate as an organic carbon source resulted in successful microalgae growth, lipid accumulation, and management of the bacteria population in open outdoor conditions.
- Aurantiochytrium sp. HS399 can grow using acetate as an organic carbon source and ammonia as a nitrogen source.
- Aurantiochytrium was grown in an acetic acid/pH-auxostat mode in 700 ml bubble column at 27°C in sterile conditions.
- the base medium contained: NaCl (12.5 g/L), MgSCu 7H20 (2.5 g/L), KC1 (0.5 g/L), CaCh (0.1 g/L), KH2PO4 (0.125 g/L) vitamins (0.25 ml/L) and trace metal (1.25 ml/L). Trace and vitamins stocks were prepared according to Ashford, et al. 2000.
- Lipids 35, 1377- 1386 A blend of ammonium (hydroxide and acetic acid 1:5 w/w) with slightly higher molar ratio of acetic acid (1:1.1) was prepared with the aim maintain residual acetate present until the end of the pH auxostat.
- the pH auxostat was set to pH 6.6.
- the ammonium acetate blend was added to the treatments in order to match the following concentrations: IX: 1.07 g/L NH4, 5.68 g/L acetic acid, 3X: 3.21 g/L NH4, 17.04 g/L acetic acid, 5X: 5.35 g/L NH4, 28.40 g/L acetic acid, 7X: 7.49 g/L NH4, 39.76 g/L acetic acid.
- Cell dry weights and residual culture medium acetate were measured daily, and results are shown in Tables 14, 15, and 16. The results show that Aurantiochytrium was able to grow on the IX and 3X ammonium acetate blends.
- Aurantiochytrium sp. HS399 can grow using acetate as an organic carbon source and different sources of nitrogen.
- Aurantiochytrium was grown in an acetic acid/pH-auxostat mode in 700 ml bubble column at 27°C in sterile conditions.
- the base medium contained: NaCl (12.5 g/L), MgS047H2O (2.5 g/L), KC1 (0.5 g/L), CaCh (0.1 g/L), KH2PO4 (0.125 g/L) vitamins (0.25 ml/L) and trace metal (1.25 ml/L). Trace and vitamins stocks were prepared according to Ashford, et al. 2000.
- Lipids 35, 1377- 1386 A blend of ammonium (hydroxide and acetic acid 1:5 w/w) with slightly higher molar ratio of acetic acid (1:1.1) was prepared with the aim maintain residual acetate present until the end of the pH auxostat.
- the pH auxostat was set to pH 5.5 or 6.0.
- the ammonium acetate blend was compared against glutamate at two different equi molar concentrations. Cell dry weights and residual culture medium acetate, and results are shown in Tables 17 and 18.
- the results showed that Aurantiochytrium could grow with either glutamate or ammonia under an acetic acid pH auxostat system.
- the results show that Aurantiochytrium was able to grow on bom glutamate and ammonia as a nitrogen source under an acetic acid pH auxostat system
- Aurantiochytrium sp. HS399 was grown in a 100 L open pond.
- the base medium contained: sodium acetate (1 g/L), glycerol (30 g/L) monosodium glutamate monohydrate (2.5 g/L) NaCl (12.5 g/L), MgSCvTIfcO (2.5 g/L), KC1 (0.5 g/L), CaCh (0.1 g/L), KH2PO4 (0.5 g/L), vitamins (1 ml/L), and trace metal (5 ml/L).
- the culture receiving acetic acid had comparable growth to the other culture.
- the aerobic bacteria counts decreased at least by 3 log throughout the batch for the culture receiving acetic acid as compared to the other treatment.
- the consumption rate of glycerol was lower for the treatment receiving acetic acid, indicating that acetic acid is preferred over glycerol when acetate has accumulated in the cell.
- Aurantiochytrium sp. HS399 was grown in an acetic acid/pH-auxostat mode in 700 ml bubble column at 27°C in sterile conditions.
- the initial culture medium was supplemented with 30 g/L glycerol and 0.5 g/L acetate.
- the residual acetate concentration in the culture medium was maintained at 1 ⁇ 0.5 g/L and treatments with a pH set point of 5.5 and 7 titrated by either acetic acid or hydrochloric acid (HC1) were compared for axenic cultures and cultures contaminated with bacteria (xenic). Cell dry weights were measured daily. Results are shown in FIG. 1. The results in FIG. 1 show that Aurantiochytrium was able to achieve comparable growth in axenic and contaminated cultures receiving acetic acid as those that did not receive acetic acid.
- An experiment will be performed to compare the ability of multiple strains of microalgae, Aurantiochytrium sp. (HS399) and Schizochytrium limacinum (ATCC SR21). Multiple treatments for each strain will be grown in a flask with one treatment comprising 0 g/L acetate and one treatment comprising 40 g/L of acetate. The cultures will be grown at a temperature of about 27°C, agitation of about 180 rpm, and the absence of light for about 6 days. The cultures will be sampled daily to measure culture dry weight, acetate concentration, and pH.
- a method may comprise: providing a culture of microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family in a culture medium suitable for biomass production; supplying an organic carbon source comprising at least one of acetate and acetic acid; and culturing the microalgae in conditions suitable to increase a biomass density of the culture.
- a method may comprise: providing a culture of microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family in a culture medium suitable for lipid production; supplying an organic carbon source comprising at least one of acetate and acetic acid; and culturing the microalgae in conditions suitable to increase a concentration of lipids in the culture.
- the increase in the concentration of lipids is any detectable amount.
- the lipid concentration is increased at least 10% as compared to the starting concentration.
- the lipid concentration is increased at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 100% (i.e., doubled), at least 150%, at least 200%, at least 250%, at least 300%, at least 350%, at least 400%, at least 500%, at least 600%, at least 750%, at least 900%, at least 1000%, at least 1500%, at least 2000%, at least 2500%, at least 3000%, at least 3500%, at least 3750%, at least 4000%, or more than 4000% (such as at least 4500% or at least 5000%).
- the lipid concentration is increased between 100%-5000%, such as between 200%-5000%, 300%-5000%, 500%-5000%, 100%-4000%, 200%-4000%, 300%-4000%, 400%-4000%, 500%-4000%, 50%-3500%, 50%-3250%, 100%-3500%, 150%-3500%, 200%- 3500%, 300%-3500%, 350%-3500%, or 500%-3500%.
- the supply of the organic carbon source may further comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of sucrose, fructose, molasses, xylose, glycerol, and glucose.
- a source of nitrogen may comprise at least one of monosodium glutamate (MSG), ammonia, ammonium, urea, nitrates, and glycine.
- the culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon of up to 0.55.
- the culture may achieve a biomass productivity rate of up to 60 g/L/day.
- the culture conditions may be non-sterile.
- the supply of at least one of acetate and acetic acid may be provided by a pH auxostat system
- the culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon of up to 0.30. In some embodiments, the culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate of up to 1.0 g/L/hr. In some embodiments, the supply of at least one of acetate and acetic acid may be terminated prior to harvesting the microalgae to induce an increase in the culture pH. In some embodiments, the culture may be disposed in an open outdoor bioreactor for at least part of the culture life.
- a method may comprise: providing a culture of microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family in an aqueous culture medium; supplying an organic carbon source comprising at least one of acetate and acetic acid; culturing the microalgae in a first set of culture conditions suitable to increase the biomass density of the culture; and culturing the microalgae in a second set of culture conditions suitable to increase a concentration of lipids in the culture.
- a method may comprise: providing a culture of microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family in an aqueous culture medium; supplying an organic carbon source comprising at least one of acetate and acetic acid; culturing the microalgae in a first set of culture conditions suitable to increase the biomass density of the culture; and culturing the microalgae in a second set of culture conditions suitable for producing biomass accumulation through cell growth and lipid accumulation concurrently.
- the second set of culture conditions may comprise nitrogen sufficient conditions.
- the second set of conditions may comprise an initial batch supply of nitrogen.
- the second set of conditions may comprise no initial nitrogen in the aqueous culture medium
- the second set of conditions may comprise a supply of nitrogen fed with a supply of the organic carbon.
- the second set of conditions occur in anon-sterilized bioreactor.
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Abstract
Methods of growing organisms in the Thraustochytriaceae family using a supply of at least one of acetate and acetic acid as an organic carbon source are described. Embodiments include using acetate or acetic acid in combination with other organic carbon sources and with a pH auxostat system.
Description
METHODS OF CULTURING AURANTIOCHYTRIUM USING ACETATE AS AN
ORGANIC CARBON SOURCE
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Applications 62/448,810, filed January 20, 2017, entitled METHODS OF CULTURING AURANTIOCHYTRIUM USING ACETATE AS AN ORGANIC CARBON SOURCE and 62/402,757, filed September 30, 2016, entitled METHODS OF CULTURING AURANTIOCHYTRIUM USING ACETATE AS AN ORGANIC CARBON SOURCE, the contents of each being hereby entirely incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Culturing microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family in heterotrophic conditions has traditionally been performed using glycerol or glucose-based organic carbon sources (See Xie, Y., and Wang, G. (2015). Mechanisms of fatty acid synthesis in marine fungus-like protists. Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 99, 8363-8375. doi: 10.1007/s00253-015-6920-7). Use of such organic carbon sources in a culturing method has been shown to result in productive cultures, but requires the culture conditions to remain sterile in order for the productivity to be realized on a consistent basis. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the term "sterile" when applied to a culture of a target microorganism, such as a particular microalgae (e.g., a Thraustochytriaceae family microalgae, such as mAurantiochytrium) is used in place of the term "axenic", meaning mat only the target microorganism(s) is/are present in detectable quantities. "Sterile" can also mean completely free of detectable living organisms. The proper interpretation of the term will be clear to those skilled in the art based on the context of its use herein and where the term can be both interpreted as referring to a device or composition that is devoid of all detectable living matter (truly sterile) and/or axenic, both embodiments are intended to be provided by the disclosure (e.g., use of a "sterile" bag system disclosed herein means both bag systems that are sterile prior to culture and that are axenic upon inoculation of the target microalgae orgnanism(s)). The necessity for the sterile conditions stems from the fact while many microalgae, including microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family, can efficiently utilize glycerol and glucose as an energy source, but so can contaminating organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and yeast. When glycerol or glucose are used as the organic carbon supply in a heterotrophic microalgae culture that is not sterile, the microalgae face substantial competition from contaminating organisms within the culture. Competition with the
contaminating organisms may result in the reducing the amount of resources available for the microalgae (e.g., nutrients, gases) or even on physical attacks on the microalgae, either of which can reduce productivity or even the loss of an entire microalgae culture. These direct and indirect adverse effects from contaminating microorganisms on the microalgae culture have dictated that the most reliable way to culture heterotrophic microalgae with traditional organic carbon sources is to use sterile conditions.
[0003] Culturing heterotrophic microalgae in sterile conditions comes at a high cost, especially at the commercial level. Depreciation cost typically accounts for 15-30 % of the production costs due to the high capex associated with sterile fermentation technology. Moreover, large microalgae cultures comprise a large number of opportunities for the sterility conditions to be compromised due to the number of inputs in a culture (e.g., media, organic carbon, gases), the scale up process that involves transfer between multiple bioreactor systems, the number of steps in a sterilization protocol for equipment that is of an industrial scale size, and the length of the culturing process (e.g., days or weeks). These potential infiltrations of contaminating organisms, such as bacteria, may occur whether the culture is in a closed or open bioreactor, although the risk is correspondingly higher in an open culture. Accordingly, culturing microalgae heterotrophically in low cost open bioreactor systems faces a heightened level of contamination risk and challenges for reliable production.
SUMMARY
[0004] Methods of growing organisms in the Thraustochytriaceae family using a supply of at least one of acetate and acetic acid as an organic carbon source are described. Embodiments include using acetate or acetic acid in combination with other organic carbon sources and with a pH auxostat system In one non-limiting embodiment, a method of growingAurantiochytrium using acetate as the sole organic carbon source or in combination with other organic carbon sources in axenic or non-axenic conditions. A non-limiting embodiment describing a method of scaling up a culture of Aurantiochytrium for a final stage of production in an open outdoor bioreactor is also described.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE
[0005] FIG. 1 shows a graph of cell dry weight for a culture of Aurantiochytrium reflecting an exemplary aspect of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0006] The inventors have developed a method of increasing reliable production of heterotrophic microalgae, in closed or open bioreactor systems operating in axenic or non- axenic conditions. The term "microalgae" refers to any microorganisms classified as microalgae, cyanobacteria, diatoms, dinoflagellates, or other similar single cell microorganisms, whether freshwater or marine, capable of growth in phototrophic, mixotrophic, or heterotrophic culture conditions. In some non-limiting embodiments, the described methods may be used with microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family such as Aurantiochytrium. To increase the reliability of heterotrophic microalgae production and enable culturing in low cost open outdoor bioreactor system, the inventors developed a culturing method in which at least one of acetate and acetic acid is supplied as an organic carbon source while also contributing to the creation of an environment of growth restrictive culture conditions mat favor the microalgae over the contaminating organisms, such as bacteria.
[0007] Taxonomic classification has been in flux for microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family, particularly the genus Schizochytrium. Some microalgae previously classified as Schizochytrium have been reclassified as Aurantiochytrium, Thraustochytrium, or Oblongichytrium. See Yokoyama et al. Taxonomic rearrangement of the genus Schizochytrium sensu lato based on morphology, chemotaxonomic characteristics, and 18S rRNA gene phylogeny (Thrausochytriaceae, Labyrinthulomycetes): emendation for Schizochytrium and erection of Aurantiochytrium and Oblongichytrium gen. nov. Mycoscience (2007) 48:199-211. Those of skill in the art will recognize that Thraustochytrids such as Schizochytrium, Aurantiochytrium, Thraustochytrium, and Oblongichytrium appear closely related in many taxonomic classification trees for microalgae, and strains and species may be re-classified from time to time. Thus for references throughout the instant specification for Aurantiochytrium it is recognized that microalgae strains in related taxonomic classifications with similar characteristics to Aurantiochytrium would reasonably be expected to produce similar results.
[0008] While the developed methods comprising a supply of at least one of acetate and acetic acid have utility in non-axenic conditions found in open outdoor bioreactor systems, the methods are also useful for axenic cultures and sterile bioreactor systems. The utility of the inventive method is supported by the surprising results in the Examples in which the inventors demonstrated that first Aurantiochytrium is capable of utilizing acetate or acetic acid as an
organic carbon source, and second Aurantiochytrium is capable of proliferating in an environment where a residual acetate concentration creates an environment that favors Aurantiochytrium over other heterotrophic contaminates (i.e., an environment of acetate toxicity). Using the inventive method, the inventors where able to successfully culture Aurantiochytrium utilizing acetate or acetic acid as an organic carbon source for biomass and lipid production, in axenic and non-axenic conditions, which provides the flexibility of choosing from a variety of bioreactor system and culture conditions for a cost effective commercial process.
[0009] The term "pH auxostat" refers to the microbial cultivation technique that couples the addition of fresh medium (e.g., medium containing organic carbon or acetic acid) to pH control. As the pH drifts from a given set point, fresh medium is added to bring the pH back to the set point. The rate of pH change is often an excellent indication of growth and meets the requirements as a growth-dependent parameter. The feed will keep the residual nutrient concentration in balance with the buffering capacity of the medium The pH set point may be changed depending on the microorganisms present in the culture at the time. The microorganisms present may be driven by the location and season where the bioreactor is operated and how close the cultures are positioned to other contamination sources (e.g., other farms, agriculture, ocean, lake, river, waste water). The rate of medium addition is determined by the substrate consumption rate of the microorganism and the buffering capacity of the media The pH auxostat controls nutrient concentration indirectly (i.e., based on pH) and therefore the buffering capacity of the media may have an impact on the residual acetate and ultimately in the toxicity of the media The pH level represents the summation of the production of different ionic species and ion release during carbon and nutrient uptake.
[0010] In some embodiments, the inventive method utilizes a pH auxostat to provide at least one of supply acetic acid to the microalgae culture as a source of organic carbon, a method of maintaining the culture pH in a desired range, and a method of maintaining the residual acetate concentration (i.e., acetate toxicity conditions) in a desired range. In some embodiments, the pH auxostat system may comprise a solenoid valve, a peristaltic pump, a pH probe and a pH controller. In some embodiments, the pH auxostat system may comprise a drip application device controlled by a needle valve, a metering pump or a peristaltic pump, and a pH controller. The pH controller may be set at a threshold level (i.e., set point) and activate the auxostat system to supply acetic acid to the culture when the measured pH level is above the set
threshold level. The frequency of pH measurements, administration of acetic acid by the auxostat system, and mixing of the culture are controlled in combination to keep the pH value substantially constant. In some embodiments, the acetic acid feed may be diluted in water to a concentration below 100% and as low as 0.5%, with a preferable concentration between 15% and 50%. In other embodiments, the acetic acid may be at concentrations below 10% in order to continuously dilute the culture of microorganisms. In other embodiments, the acetic acid may be mixed together with other nutrient media, acids, or organic carbon sources.
[0011] The creation and control of a residual acetate concentration in the culture medium is not inherent in a pH auxostat system The toxicity of the environment is governed by a variety of factors, such as but not limited to, the total concentration of acetate in the culture and the pH of the culture; and thus the residual acetate concentration forming the toxicity condition is controlled by the initial concentration of acetate and the supply of acetic acid through the pH auxostat. In some embodiments, acetate or acetic acid may be supplied as a batch.
[0012] While some microalgae are known to use acetate or acetic acid as a carbon source, the inventors determined that too much acetate can also be toxic to microalgae and thus acetate tolerance limits may vary among microalgae. The higher tolerance limit of microalgae to acetate and undissociated acetic acid, as compared to bacteria, may be attributable to microalgae having differentiated organelles and a nucleus. However, the indiscriminate use of acetic acid in a microalgae culture contaminated with bacteria may negatively affect the bacteria, but may also negatively affect the microalgae if the residual acetate concentration formed in the culture is above the tolerance limit of the microalgae.
[0013] Therefore, the residual acetate level could increase or decrease as a function of growth of the microorganisms. The most common situation is an acetate decrease caused by organic acid production and ammonium uptake. However, for microorganisms growing on nitrates, protein or amino acid-rich media, the residual acetate level will rise with growth because the consumption of those nutrients.
Flask Stage
[0014] In some embodiments, the microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family may be cultured with at least one of acetate and acetic acid in flasks in an aqueous culture medium before the culture is scaled up to a larger volume and bioreactor. In some embodiments, a flask
culture may comprise a volume in the range of 0.1 to 1 liters, a culture temperature in the range of 20°C to 40°C, a culture pH in the range of 4-9, and an initial inoculation density of 0.1-1.0 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density of up to 100 g/L.
[0015] In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 20-22°C. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 22-24°C. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 24-26°C. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 26-28°C. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 28-30°C. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 30-32°C. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 32-35°C. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 3S-38°C. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 38-40°C.
[0016] In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 4-5. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 5-6. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 6-7. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 7-8. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 8-9.
[0017] In some embodiments, the flask culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.1-0.2 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be inocul ated at a density in the range of 0.2-0.3 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.3-0.4 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.4-0.5 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.5-0.6 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.6-0.7 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be inoculated at a density' in the range of 0.7-0.8 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.8-0.9 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.9-1.0 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be inoculated at a density of up to 5 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be inoculated at a density of up to 10 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be inoculated at a density of up to 15 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may be
inoculated at a density of up to 20 g/L. In some embodiments, it may be preferred to inoculate a culture at a density of less than 10 g/L because it requires less biomass to start the process.
[0018] In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 1-10 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 10-20 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 20-30 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 30-40 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 40-50 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 50-60 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 60-70 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 70-80 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 80-90 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 90-100 g/L.
[0019] In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density up to 150 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density up to 200 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density up to 250 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density up to 300 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density up to 400 g/L. In some embodiments, the flask culture may achieve a culture density up to 500 g/L.
Bag Bioreactor Stage
[0020] In some embodiments, the microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family may be cultured with at least one of acetate and acetic acid in a bag bioreactor in an aqueous culture medium before the culture is scaled up to a larger volume and bioreactor. In some embodiments, bag bioreactor culture may comprise a volume in the range of 50 to 1,000 liters, a culture temperature in the range of 20°C to 40°C, a culture pH in the range of 4-9, and an initial inoculation density of 0.1-1.0 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density of up to 100 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon of up to 0.55. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon of up to 0.30. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may- achieve a lipid productivity rate of up to 1.0 g/L/hr.
[0021] In some embodiment, the methods of the invention are characterized by increasing the biomass concentration in the culture by any detectable amount. In other aspects, the biomass concentration is increased by at least 10% over the starting biomass. In still further facets, the biomass concentration is increased by at least 50%, such as at least 100% (i.e., doubled or 2x/two-fold) over the starting culture. Hie biomass concentration can be increased by methods of the invention at least 3x (increased more than 200% or 200%+), at least 4x (increased 300%+), 5x (increased 400%+), at least 6x (increased 500%+), at least lOx (increased 900%+), at least 12x (increased 1100%+), at least 15x (increased 1400%+), at least 20x (increased 1900%+), at least 25x (increased 2400%+), or even at least 30x (increased 2900%+). In some aspects the increase in concentration of biomass (typically measured in g/L) obtained by practice of methods of the invention is in the range of 500%-4000%, such as 500%-3750%, for example 1000%-3750%, 2000%-3750%, 1000%-4000%, 2000%-4000%, 2500%-4000%, 2500%-3750%, 3000%-4000%, or 3000%-3750%.
[0022] In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 20-22°C. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 22-24°C. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 24-26°C. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 26-28°C. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 28-30°C. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 30- 32°C. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 32-35°C. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 35-38°C. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 38-40°C.
[0023] In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 4-5. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 5-6. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 6-7. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 7-8. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 8-9.
[0024] In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.1-0.2 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.2-0.3 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.3-0.4 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.4-0.5 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.5-0.6 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.6-0.7 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.7-0.8 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.8-0.9 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.9-1.0 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density of up to 5 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density of up to 10 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density of up to 15 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density of up to 20 g/L. In some embodiments, it may be preferred to inoculate a culture at a density of less than 10 g/L because it requires less biomass to start the process.
[0025] In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 1-10 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 10-20 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 20-30 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 30-40 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 40-50 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 50-60 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 60-70 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 70-80 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 80-90 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 90-100 g/L.
[0026] In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density a culture density up to 150 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density a culture density up to 200 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may
achieve a culture density a culture density up to 250 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density a culture density up to 300 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density a culture density up to 400 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density a culture density up to 500 g/L.
[0027] In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.1-0.2. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weightyield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.2-0.3. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.3-0.4. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.4-0.5. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.5-0.55.
[0028] In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty' acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.10-0.15. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.15-0.20. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.20-0.25. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weightyield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.25-0.30.
[0029] In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.1-0.2 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.2-0.3 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.3-0.4 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.4-0.5 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.5-0.6 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.6-0.7 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.7-0.8 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.8-0.9 g/L. In some
embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.9-1.0 g/L.
Open Bioreactor Stage
[0030] In some embodiments, the microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family may be cultured with at least one of acetate and acetic acid in an open bioreactor in an aqueous culture medium In some embodiments, the open bioreactor may be disposed outdoors. In some embodiments, open bioreactor culture may comprise a volume of up to 500,000 liters, a culture temperature in the range of 20°C to 40°C, a culture pH in the range of 4-9, and an initial inoculation density of 0.1-10 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density of up to 200 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon of up to 0.55. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon of up to 0.30. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate of up to 1.0 g/L/hr. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate of up to 60 g/L/day.
[0031] In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 20-22°C. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 22-24°C. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 24-26°C. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 26-28°C. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 28-30°C. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 30- 32°C. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 32-35°C. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 35-38°C. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a temperature in the range of 38-40°C.
[0032] In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 4-5. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 5-6. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 6-7. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a pH in the range
of 7-8. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be cultured at a pH in the range of 8-9.
[0033] In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.1 -0.2 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.2-0.3 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.3-0.4 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.4-0.5 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.5- 0.6 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.6-0.7 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.7-0.8 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.8-0.9 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density in the range of 0.9-1.0 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density of up to 5 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density of up to 10 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density of up to 15 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may be inoculated at a density of up to 20 g/L. In some embodiments, it may be preferred to inoculate a culture at a density of less than 10 g/L because it requires less biomass to start the process.
[0034] In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density' in the range of 1-10 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 10-20 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 20-30 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 30-40 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 40-50 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 50-60 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 60-70 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 70-80 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 80-90 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density in the range of 90-100 g/L.
[0035] In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density a culture density up to 150 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density a culture density up to 200 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density a culture density' up to 250 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density a culture density up to 300 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density a culture density up to 400 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a culture density a culture density up to 500 g/L.
[0036] In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.1-0.2. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.2-0.3 g. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.3-0.4. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weightyield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.4-0.5. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.5-0.55.
[0037] In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.01-0.05. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.05-0.10. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.10- 0.15 In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range 0.15-0.20. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.20-0.25. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon in the range of 0.25- 0.30.
[0038] In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.1-0.2 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity' rate in the range of 0.2-0.3 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.3-0.4 g/L. In some embodiments,
the open bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.4-0.5 g/L. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.5-0.6 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.6-0.7 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.7-0.8 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.8-0.9 g/L. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate in the range of 0.9-1.0 g/L.
[0039] In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 1-2 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 2-3 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 3-4 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 4-5 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 5-6 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 6-7 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 7-8 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 8-9 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 9-10 g/L/day.
[0040] In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 10-15 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 15-20 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 20-30 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 30-40 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 40-50 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 50-60 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 60-
70 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the open bioreactor culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate in the range of 70-80 g/L/day.
[0041] In some embodiments, the microalgae culture may be cultured at a residual acetate range of 0.1-1 g/L. In some embodiments, the microalgae culture may be cultured at a residual acetate range of 1-10 g/L. In some embodiments, the microalgae culture may be cultured at a residual acetate range of 10-20 g/L. In some embodiments, the microalgae culture may be cultured at a residual acetate range of 20-40 g/L. In some embodiments, the microalgae culture may be cultured at a residual acetate range of 40-60 g/L. In some embodiments, the microalgae culture may be cultured at a residual acetate range of 60-80 g/L. In some embodiments, the microalgae culture may be cultured at a residual acetate range of 80-100 g/L.
[0042] In some embodiments, the nitrogen source for the culture may comprise monosodium glutamate (MSG), ammonia, ammonium (e.g., ammonium hydroxide, ammonium phosphate, ammonium acetate), urea, nitrates, glycine or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the aqueous culture medium may comprise trace metals, vitamins, minerals, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the culture may comprise an organic carbon source in addition to acetic acid and acetate, and consist of at least one selected from the group comprising: glycerol, glucose, sucrose, fructose, molasses, other suitable sugars, other suitable refined industrial by-product streams, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the culture may comprise an initial concentration of acetate and receive a subsequent supply of acetic acid as the organic carbon source. In some embodiments, a portion of the acetic acid used in the method may be replaced by other organic salts or acids such as lactic acid, propionic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, and combinations thereof.
[0043] In some embodiments, acetic acid may be used to stabilize a medium that is fed into a culture operating in a continuous culturing mode. In some embodiments, the continuous culturing mode may comprise a single stage (i.e., growth through biomass accumulation and cell division, or lipid accumulation) instead of two or more stages focused on either growth in one stage and accumulation of a metabolite (e.g., lipids) in another stage or stages. In some embodiments, the continuous mode may comprise nitrogen sufficient conditions. In some embodiments, the continuous mode may comprise nitrogen deficient conditions. In some embodiments, the supply of acetic acid may be terminated prior to harvesting the organisms to induce an increase in culture pH.
[0044] In some embodiments, cultures in different volumes or different bioreactors may have the same nitrogen source. In some embodiments, cultures in different volumes or different bioreactors may have different nitrogen sources. In some embodiments, cultures in different volumes or different bioreactors may have the same organic carbon source. In some embodiments, cultures in different volumes or different bioreactors may have different organic carbon sources. In some embodiments, cultures in different volumes or different bioreactors may have the same culturing temperature. In some embodiments, cultures in different volumes or different bioreactors may have different culturing temperatures. In some embodiments, cultures in different volumes or different bioreactors may have the same culture pH value. In some embodiments, cultures in different volumes or different bioreactors may have different culture pH values. In some embodiments, cultures in different volumes or different bioreactors may have the same inoculation density. In some embodiments, cultures in different volumes or different bioreactors may have different inoculation densities.
[0045] In some embodiments, the Aurantiochytrium may be transferred between different bioreactors of increasing volume multiple times in the process of scaling the volume of the culture up over the life of the culture. In some embodiments, the first culturing stage may occur in a flask. In some embodiments, a culture in a flask may be transferred to a bag bioreactor of a volume larger than the flask for the second culturing stage. In some embodiments, a culture in a bag bioreactor may be transferred to an open bioreactor of volume larger than the bag bioreactor for the third stage of culturing.
[0046] In some embodiments, the flask bioreactor may be sterile and maintain the culture of Aurantiochytrium in axenic conditions. In some embodiments, the culture οΐ Aurantiochytrium may be maintained as axenic during transfer to the bag bioreactor. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor may be sterile and maintain the culture of Aurantiochytrium in axenic conditions. In some embodiments, the culture of Aurantiochytrium may not be axenic, and may be cultured in non-axenic conditions. In some embodiments, the flask may be non-sterile. In some embodiments, the bag bioreactor may be non-sterile. The open bioreactor may be any bioreactor that is not closed including, but not limited to, a trough, a tank, a pond, and a raceway pond.
[0047] In some embodiments, the Aurantiochytrium biomass may be harvested from the culture and separated from the aqueous culture medium by any suitable method known in the art such as, but not limited to, filtration, centrifugation, settling, decanting, dissolved air flotation, and skimming. In some embodiments, the culture density may be high enough that the biomass is not separated from the aqueous culture medium before further processing. In some embodiments, the Aurantiochytrium biomass may be further processed to isolate the oil from the biomass by any suitable method known in the art such as, but not limited to, mechanical extraction, solventless extraction, extraction with a solvent, and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction. In some embodiments, the Aurantiochytrium biomass or isolated oil may be further processed to produce a suitable processed product by methods known in the art such as, but not limited to, pasteurization, drying, cell disruption (e.g., milling, pressing), cell lysing, hydrothermal liquefaction, esterification, winterization, refining, urea crystallization, bleaching, deodorizing, distillation, and hydrotreatment.
Traditional Fermenter Embodiment
[0048] In some embodiments, the Aurantiochytrium may be cultured with at least one of acetate and acetic acid in a closed sterile fermenter in an aqueous culture medium. In some embodiments, the closed sterile (axenic) fermenter may be constructed from glass, stainless steel, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, closed sterile fermenter culture may comprise a culture temperature in the range of 20°C to 40°C, a culture pH in the range of 4-9, and an initial inoculation density of 0.1-10.0 g/L. In some embodiments, the closed sterile fermenter culture may achieve a culture density of up to 500 g/L. In some embodiments, the closed sterile fermenter culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon of up to 0.55. In some embodiments, the closed sterile fermenter culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon of up to 0.30. In some embodiments, the closed sterile fermenter culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate of up to 1.0 g/L/hr. In some embodiments, the closed sterile fermenter culture may achieve an average biomass productivity rate of up to 60 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the closed sterile fermenter culture may receive an organic carbon supply comprising at least one of acetate and acetic acid as described throughout the specification, such as for the flask culture, bag bioreactor culture, and open bioreactor culture.
[0049] In some embodiments, the culture process may comprise a combination of culturing in stages with sterilized bioreactors and non-sterilized bioreactors. In some embodiments, an
inoculum culture may be produced in a sterilized bioreactor where cell division and biomass accumulation primarily occurs at a low C:N ratio, and men is transferred to a sterilized or non- sterilized bioreactor of a larger volume as a culture comprise a percent solids in the range of 1- 20%. In some embodiments, the inoculated culture may have a percent solids in the range of 1-5%. In some embodiments, the inoculated culture may have a percent solids in the range of 5-10%. In some embodiments, the inoculated culture may have a percent solids in the range of 10-15%. In some embodiments, the inoculated culture may have a percent solids in the range of 15-20%. In some embodiments, the final stage of culturing in a sterilized or non- sterilized bioreactor may comprise nitrogen supplied as a batch. In some embodiments, the final stage of culturing in a sterilized or non-sterilized bioreactor may comprise nitrogen limited conditions and primarily the accumulation of lipids.
[0050] In some embodiments, the culture process may comprise a combination of culturing in stages with sterilized bioreactors and non-sterilized bioreactors. In some embodiments, an inoculum culture may be produced in a sterilized bioreactor where cell division and biomass accumulation primarily occurs at a low C:N ratio, and then is transferred to a sterilized or non- sterilized bioreactor of a larger volume as a culture comprise a percent solids in the range of 1- 10%. In some embodiments, the inoculated culture may have a percent solids in the range of
1- 2%. In some embodiments, the inoculated culture may have a percent solids in the range of
2- 3%. In some embodiments, the inoculated culture may have a percent solids in the range of
3- 4%. In some embodiments, the inoculated culture may have a percent solids in the range of
4- 5%. In some embodiments, the inoculated culture may have a percent solids in the range of
5- 7%. In some embodiments, the inoculated culture may have a percent solids in the range of 7-10%. In some embodiments, the final stage of culturing in a sterilized or non-sterilized bioreactor may comprise nitrogen supplied as a batch or supplied as a feed with the organic carbon. In some embodiments, the final stage of culturing in a sterilized or non-sterilized bioreactor may comprise nitrogen sufficient conditions and the concurrent production of cell growth for biomass accumulation and lipid accumulation.
[0051] In one non-limiting embodiment, an inoculum culture may be produced in a sterilized bioreactor and used to inoculate a non-sterilized bioreactor operating as a semi-batch non- axenic process to primarily produce lipid accumulation with little to no cell growth and biomass accumulation. In another non-limiting embodiment, an inoculum culture may be produced in a sterilized bioreactor and used to inoculate a non-sterilized bioreactor operating as a semi-
batch non-axenic process to produce both biomass accumulation through cell growth and lipid accumulation concurrently. In another non-limiting embodiment, a sterilized or non-sterilized bioreactor may operate as a single phase continuous culture, wherein single phase is defined as producing only biomass accumulation through growth, only lipid accumulation, or both biomass accumulation through growth and lipid accumulation concurrently. In another non- limiting embodiment, an inoculum culture may be produced in a sterilized bioreactor and used to inoculate a sterilized bioreactor operating as a semi-batch axenic process with a first stage comprising primarily biomass accumulation through cell growth in low C:N conditions and a second stage comprising primarily lipid accumulation in nitrogen limited conditions.
Examples
[0052] Embodiments of the invention are exemplified and additional embodiments are disclosed in further detail in the following Examples, which are not in any way intended to limit the scope of any aspect of the invention described herein. The exemplary strain HS399 was identified through genetic analysis as having high similarities to species of Aurantiochytrium, and was isolated from an aquatic mangrove environment with characteristics similar to where literature has identified species of Schizochytrium have previously been isolated from
Example 1
[0053] In one experiment Aurantiochytrium sp. (HS399) was cultured in method utilizing acetate and acetic acid as an organic carbon source to produce biomass with the profile shown in Table 1.
Table 1
Example 2
[0054] In one experiment Aurantiochytrium sp. (HS399) was cultured in method utilizing acetate and acetic acid as an organic carbon source to produce biomass with the profiles shown in Tables 2-3.
Table 2
Example 3
[0055] In one experiment Aurantiochytrium sp. (HS399) was cultured in method utilizing acetate and acetic acid as an organic carbon source to produce biomass, whereupon a solventless extraction process was performed to produce the crude oil with the exemplary profiles in Table 4, and the residual biomass with the exemplary profiles in Table 5. The residual biomass profile 3 resulted from a French press process using a fiber to aid separation of oil and biomass.
Table 4
[0056] The crude oil was then subjected to a winterization process using a polar solvent and lower temperatures to precipitate compounds from the crude oil. The multiple exemplary profiles of the DHA rich fraction, as well as an exemplary profile of the palmitic acid rich fraction resulting from the winterization process in weight percentage are shown in Table 6.
Table 6
Example 4
[0057] An experiment was conducted to determine if Aurantiochytrium sp. HS399 is able to grow using acetate as an organic carbon source. Aurantiochytrium was grown in an acetic
acid/pH-auxostat mode in 700 ml bubble column at 27°C in sterile conditions. The initial culture medium was supplemented and 0.5 g/L sodium acetate and no other organic carbon source. The base medium contained : sodium acetate (1 g/L), monosodium glutamate monohydrate (2.5 g/L) NaCl (12.5 g/L), MgS04 7H20 (2.5 g/L), KC1 (0.5 g/L), CaCb (0.1 g/L), KH2PO4 (0.125 g/L) vitamins (0.25 ml/L) and trace metal (1.25 ml/L). Trace and vitamins stocks were prepared according to Ashford, et al. 2000. Lipids 35, 1377-1386 The residual acetic acid was maintained at 1 ± 0.5 g/L and the impact of acetate toxicity on the microalgae growth was studied at a pH set point of 5, 4.5 or 7. Cell dry weights and residual acetate concentration in the culture medium were measured daily, and the results are shown in Tables 7 and 8. The results show ^astAurantiochytrium was able to grow using acetate as an organic carbon source in cultures with a pH of 5 and above.
Example 5
[0058] An experiment was performed to determine the effectiveness of culturing A urantiochylrium sp. HS399 in a method comprising the use of acetic acid as a carbon source in non-axenic culture conditions. In the first culturing stage four 500 mL axenic flask cultures were inoculated at 0.2 g/L and cultured until the culture density reached 10-20 g/L. The flask cultures received glycerol as an organic carbon source and were cultured at a pH of about 7. In the second culturing stage, the flask cultures were transferred to a single sterile bag
bioreactor of a 200 L volume in a sterile manner to maintain the axenic status of the culture. The bag bioreactor culture was cultured from an inoculation density of 0.2 g/L until the culture density reached 10-20 g/L. The bag bioreactor culture received mixture of half glycerol and half acetate as an organic carbon source and was cultured at a pH of about 6.
[0059] The bag bioreactor culture was transferred to a non-sterile open raceway pond bioreactor with a volume of about 18,000 L and disposed outdoors. The non-axenic culture was cultured from an inoculation density of about 0.2 g/L until the culture density reached 10- 20 g/L. The open bioreactor culture received acetic acid through a pH auxostat system where the pH set point was 5.5. Results of the culturing in the open bioreactor stage are shown in Tables 9, 10, 11, and 12.
Table 9
Table 10
Table 11
[0060] As show in Tables 9-12, the culturing method using acetate as an organic carbon source resulted in successful microalgae growth, lipid accumulation, and management of the bacteria population in open outdoor conditions. This exemplifies that methods of the invention can be performed in non-axenic systems while maintaining the increase in bacterial populations to less than 500%, more typically less than 300%, such as less than 250%, or less than 225%, or even restricting such growth to about 200% or less of the starting bacterial concentration and/or population in the culture.
0060] A summary of multiple replicates of this method are shown in Table 13.
Table 13
content
(%DW)
Final protein 8.5 9.5 10 10.1 9.53 ± 0.73
content (%
DW)
Final total 59.97 44.14 69.50 68.57 60.55 ± 11.75
fatty acid
(%DW)
Final DHA 29.88 30.77 30.92 30.65 30.56 ± 0.46
(%TFA)
Final DHA: 0.53 0.59 0.57 0.56 0.56 ± 0.03
C:16 ratio
Example 6
[0061] An experiment was performed to determine if Aurantiochytrium sp. HS399 can grow using acetate as an organic carbon source and ammonia as a nitrogen source. Aurantiochytrium was grown in an acetic acid/pH-auxostat mode in 700 ml bubble column at 27°C in sterile conditions. The base medium contained: NaCl (12.5 g/L), MgSCu 7H20 (2.5 g/L), KC1 (0.5 g/L), CaCh (0.1 g/L), KH2PO4 (0.125 g/L) vitamins (0.25 ml/L) and trace metal (1.25 ml/L). Trace and vitamins stocks were prepared according to Ashford, et al. 2000. Lipids 35, 1377- 1386. A blend of ammonium (hydroxide and acetic acid 1:5 w/w) with slightly higher molar ratio of acetic acid (1:1.1) was prepared with the aim maintain residual acetate present until the end of the pH auxostat. The pH auxostat was set to pH 6.6. The ammonium acetate blend was added to the treatments in order to match the following concentrations: IX: 1.07 g/L NH4, 5.68 g/L acetic acid, 3X: 3.21 g/L NH4, 17.04 g/L acetic acid, 5X: 5.35 g/L NH4, 28.40 g/L acetic acid, 7X: 7.49 g/L NH4, 39.76 g/L acetic acid. Cell dry weights and residual culture medium acetate were measured daily, and results are shown in Tables 14, 15, and 16. The results show that Aurantiochytrium was able to grow on the IX and 3X ammonium acetate blends.
Table 14
Cell Dry Weight (g/L)
Time (d)
IX NH4A0C 3X NH4A0C 5X NH4A0C 7X NH4A0C
0 0.6 ± 0.0 0.6 ± 0.0 0.6 ± 0.0 0.6 ± 0.0
1 2.2 ± 0.0 1.7 ± 0.1 0.8 ± 0.2 1.0 ± 0.2
2 4.8 ± 0.0 3.6 ± 0.3 0.7 ± 0.1 0.6 ± 0.1
3 7.0 ± 0.1 5.2 ± 0.1 0.7 ± 0.0 0.7 ± 0.0
6 9.4 ±0.1 7.5 ±0.1 0.4 ± 0.0 0.6 ±0.1
Table 15
Tim*C* (\Λ\Λ)\ Residual Acetate (g/L)
1 llll
IX NH4AoC 3X NH4A0C 5X NH4A0C 7X NH4A0C
0 5.8 ± 0.0 17.0 ±0.0 28.5 ± 0.5 38.5 ± 0.5
1 5.2 ± 0.0 17.0 ±0.0 30.0 ± 0.0 40.0 ±0.0
2 3.9 ± 0.0 16.5 ± 0.5 31.5 ±0.5 42.5 ± 0.5
3 3.0 ±0.1 15.5 ±0.5 33.0 ± 0.0 44.5 ± 0.5
4 2.1 ±0.1 14.0 ±0.0 28.0 ± 0.0 39.0 ±0.0
5 1.9 ±0.0 13.5 ±0.5 28.0 ±1.0 38.0 ±2.0
6 1.9 ±0.0 13.5 ±0.5 29.0 ± 0.0 39.5 ± 0.5
Table 16
Tim** (A\ CytosolicResidual Acetate (g/L)
j line \\Λ)
IXNH4A0C 3X NH4A0C 5X NH4A0C 7X NH4A0C
0 28.6 ±0.0 83.8 ±0.0 140.4 ±2.5 189.6 ± 2.6
1 25.6 ±0.0 83.8 ± 0.0 147.8 ± 0.0 197.1 ±0.0
2 19.2 ±0.0 81.3 ±2.5 155.2 ±2.5 209.4 ± 2.5
3 14.8 ±0.5 76.4 ±2.5 162.6 ±0.0 219.2 ±2.5
4 10.3 ± 0.5 69.0 ±0.0 137.9 ±0.0 192.1 ±0.0
5 9.4 ±0.0 66.5 ± 2.5 137.9 ±4.9 187.2 ± 9.9
Example 7
[0062] A experiment was performed to determine if Aurantiochytrium sp. HS399 can grow using acetate as an organic carbon source and different sources of nitrogen. Aurantiochytrium was grown in an acetic acid/pH-auxostat mode in 700 ml bubble column at 27°C in sterile conditions. The base medium contained: NaCl (12.5 g/L), MgS047H2O (2.5 g/L), KC1 (0.5 g/L), CaCh (0.1 g/L), KH2PO4 (0.125 g/L) vitamins (0.25 ml/L) and trace metal (1.25 ml/L). Trace and vitamins stocks were prepared according to Ashford, et al. 2000. Lipids 35, 1377- 1386. A blend of ammonium (hydroxide and acetic acid 1:5 w/w) with slightly higher molar ratio of acetic acid (1:1.1) was prepared with the aim maintain residual acetate present until the end of the pH auxostat. The pH auxostat was set to pH 5.5 or 6.0. The ammonium acetate blend was compared against glutamate at two different equi molar concentrations. Cell dry weights and residual culture medium acetate, and results are shown in Tables 17 and 18. The results
showed that Aurantiochytrium could grow with either glutamate or ammonia under an acetic acid pH auxostat system. The results show that Aurantiochytrium was able to grow on bom glutamate and ammonia as a nitrogen source under an acetic acid pH auxostat system
Table 17
Cell Dry Weight (g/L)
Time (d) pH5.5 pH5.5 pH6.0 pH6.0
1.1 (g/L)NH4AoC 2.5 (g/L) MSG 4.5(g/L)NH4AoC 10 (g/L) MSG
0 0.2 ±0.0 0.2 ± 0.0 0.2 ± 0.0 0.2 ± 0.0
1 2.5 ±0.1 2.6 ± 0.0 2.6 ±0.1 3.6 ±0.3
2 4.9 ±0.1 5.2 ±0.0 5.4 ± 0.4 6.1 ±0.1
3 7.5 ± 0.3 7.5 ± 0.2 7.8 ±0.1 8.1 ±0.3
4 8.9 ±0.2 8.8 ± 0.4 9.8 ± 0.5 7.9 ±2.0
5 10.7 ± 0.3 10.4 ±0.4 11.9 ±0.2 9.7 ± 2.7
6 11.8±0.1 11.4 ±0.3 13.8 ±0.2 11.9±2.6
Table 18
Residual Acetate (g/L)
Time (d) pH5.5 pH5.5 pH6.0 pH6.0
1.1 (g/L)NH4AoC 2.5 (g/L) MSG 4.5(g/L)NH4AoC 10 (g/L) MSG
0 0.9 ±0.0 0.4 ± 0.0 3.1 ±0.1 0.4 ±0.0
1 0.1 ±0.0 1.2 ±0.0 2.0 ±0.1 2.2 ±0.1
2 0.1 ±0.1 1.1 ±0.0 0.9 ±0.1 3.1 ±0.2
3 0.2 ±0.0 1.1 ±0.1 0.5 ±0.1 2.9 ±0.0
4 0.3 ± 0.0 1.1 ±0.0 0.3 ± 0.0 3.3 ± 0.6
5 0.3 ± 0.0 1.2 ±0.1 0.3 ± 0.0 3.2 ±0.5
Example 8
[0063] An experiment was performed to determine the effectiveness of growing Aurantiochytrium with combination of acetate and a non-acetate organic carbon sources, in this case glycerol. Aurantiochytrium sp. HS399 was grown in a 100 L open pond. The base medium contained: sodium acetate (1 g/L), glycerol (30 g/L) monosodium glutamate monohydrate (2.5 g/L) NaCl (12.5 g/L), MgSCvTIfcO (2.5 g/L), KC1 (0.5 g/L), CaCh (0.1 g/L), KH2PO4 (0.5 g/L), vitamins (1 ml/L), and trace metal (5 ml/L). Trace and vitamins stocks were prepared according to Ashford, et al. 2000. Lipids 35, 1377-1386. The ponds were inoculated at 1 v/v using exponentially growing cultures. Aeration was maintained at 0.5 vvm using a porous hose. In one treatment the pH was controlled at a set point of pH 7 with hydrochloric acid, and no acetic acid was supplied (i.e., glycerol only). In another treatment acetic acid was supplied by
a pH auxostat system at a set point of S.5 in addition to the glycerol. The impact on microalgae growth and contamination was analyzed by measuring dry weights (filtration), residual acetate concentration in the culture medium (HPLC), and total aerobic bacteria counts (petrifilms) daily. The results are shown in Tables 19, 20, and 21.
Table 19
[0064] As shown in Table 19, the culture receiving acetic acid had comparable growth to the other culture. As shown in Table 20, the aerobic bacteria counts decreased at least by 3 log throughout the batch for the culture receiving acetic acid as compared to the other treatment. As shown in Table 21, the consumption rate of glycerol was lower for the treatment receiving
acetic acid, indicating that acetic acid is preferred over glycerol when acetate has accumulated in the cell.
Example 9
[0065] An experiment was performed to determine the ability of Aurantiochytrium to grow on combination of acetate and another organic carbon source in axenic and contaminated culture conditions. Aurantiochytrium sp. HS399 was grown in an acetic acid/pH-auxostat mode in 700 ml bubble column at 27°C in sterile conditions. The initial culture medium was supplemented with 30 g/L glycerol and 0.5 g/L acetate. The residual acetate concentration in the culture medium was maintained at 1 ± 0.5 g/L and treatments with a pH set point of 5.5 and 7 titrated by either acetic acid or hydrochloric acid (HC1) were compared for axenic cultures and cultures contaminated with bacteria (xenic). Cell dry weights were measured daily. Results are shown in FIG. 1. The results in FIG. 1 show that Aurantiochytrium was able to achieve comparable growth in axenic and contaminated cultures receiving acetic acid as those that did not receive acetic acid.
Example 10
[0066] An experiment will be performed to compare the ability of multiple strains of microalgae, Aurantiochytrium sp. (HS399) and Schizochytrium limacinum (ATCC SR21). Multiple treatments for each strain will be grown in a flask with one treatment comprising 0 g/L acetate and one treatment comprising 40 g/L of acetate. The cultures will be grown at a temperature of about 27°C, agitation of about 180 rpm, and the absence of light for about 6 days. The cultures will be sampled daily to measure culture dry weight, acetate concentration, and pH.
Example 10
[0067] An experiment will be performed to compare the effects of growing Aurantiochytrium sp. in different conditions to target the accumulation of culture cell dry weight of 100 g/L and a final percent total fatty acids of 70%. The proposed culture conditions with varied nitrogen treatments to be tested in the experiment are listed in Table 22. The control treatment will correspond to a traditional two stage fermentation process. The term "% N Inoc" corresponds to the percent nitrogen used in a the culture stage producing biomass accumulation for inoculating the final culture stage. The term "% N Batch" corresponds to the percent of nitrogen provided as a batch at the beginning of the final culture stage. The term "% N Fed"
corresponds to the percentage of nitrogen provided to during the final culture stage with the organic carbon feed. The term "Inoc % Vol" corresponds to the anticipated percent solids of needed to inoculate a culture for the final culture stage.
Table 22
Aspects of the invention
[0068] In one non-limiting embodiment, a method may comprise: providing a culture of microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family in a culture medium suitable for biomass production; supplying an organic carbon source comprising at least one of acetate and acetic acid; and culturing the microalgae in conditions suitable to increase a biomass density of the culture.
[0069] In one non-limiting embodiment, a method may comprise: providing a culture of microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family in a culture medium suitable for lipid production; supplying an organic carbon source comprising at least one of acetate and acetic acid; and culturing the microalgae in conditions suitable to increase a concentration of lipids in the culture. In one aspect the increase in the concentration of lipids is any detectable amount. In another aspect, the lipid concentration is increased at least 10% as compared to the starting concentration. In further aspects, the lipid concentration is increased at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 100% (i.e., doubled), at least 150%, at least 200%, at least 250%, at least 300%, at least 350%, at least 400%, at least 500%, at least 600%, at least 750%, at least 900%, at least 1000%, at least 1500%, at least 2000%, at least 2500%, at least 3000%, at least 3500%, at least 3750%, at least 4000%, or more than 4000% (such as at least 4500% or at least 5000%). In some aspects the lipid concentration is increased between 100%-5000%, such as between 200%-5000%, 300%-5000%, 500%-5000%, 100%-4000%, 200%-4000%, 300%-4000%, 400%-4000%, 500%-4000%, 50%-3500%, 50%-3250%, 100%-3500%, 150%-3500%, 200%- 3500%, 300%-3500%, 350%-3500%, or 500%-3500%.
[0070] In some embodiments, the supply of the organic carbon source may further comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of sucrose, fructose, molasses, xylose, glycerol, and glucose. In some embodiments, a source of nitrogen may comprise at least one of monosodium glutamate (MSG), ammonia, ammonium, urea, nitrates, and glycine.
[0071] In some embodiments, the culture may achieve a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon of up to 0.55. In some embodiments, the culture may achieve a biomass productivity rate of up to 60 g/L/day. In some embodiments, the culture conditions may be non-sterile. In some embodiments, the supply of at least one of acetate and acetic acid may be provided by a pH auxostat system
[0072] In some embodiments, the culture may achieve an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon of up to 0.30. In some embodiments, the culture may achieve a lipid productivity rate of up to 1.0 g/L/hr. In some embodiments, the supply of at least one of acetate and acetic acid may be terminated prior to harvesting the microalgae to induce an increase in the culture pH. In some embodiments, the culture may be disposed in an open outdoor bioreactor for at least part of the culture life.
[0073] In another non-limiting embodiment, a method may comprise: providing a culture of microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family in an aqueous culture medium; supplying an organic carbon source comprising at least one of acetate and acetic acid; culturing the microalgae in a first set of culture conditions suitable to increase the biomass density of the culture; and culturing the microalgae in a second set of culture conditions suitable to increase a concentration of lipids in the culture.
[0074] In another non-limiting embodiment, a method may comprise: providing a culture of microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family in an aqueous culture medium; supplying an organic carbon source comprising at least one of acetate and acetic acid; culturing the microalgae in a first set of culture conditions suitable to increase the biomass density of the culture; and culturing the microalgae in a second set of culture conditions suitable for producing biomass accumulation through cell growth and lipid accumulation concurrently.
[0075] In some embodiments, the second set of culture conditions may comprise nitrogen sufficient conditions. In some embodiments, the second set of conditions may comprise an initial batch supply of nitrogen. In some embodiments, the second set of conditions may comprise no initial nitrogen in the aqueous culture medium In some embodiments, the second set of conditions may comprise a supply of nitrogen fed with a supply of the organic carbon. In some embodiments, the second set of conditions occur in anon-sterilized bioreactor.
[0076] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety and to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein (to the maximum extent permitted by law), regardless of any separately provided incorporation of particular documents made elsewhere herein.
[0077] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.
[0078] Unless otherwise stated, all exact values provided herein are representative of corresponding approximate values (e.g., all exact exemplary values provided with respect to a particular factor or measurement can be considered to also provide a corresponding approximate measurement, modified by "about," where appropriate). All provided ranges of values are intended to include the end points of the ranges, as well as values between the end points.
[0079] The description herein of any aspect or embodiment of the invention using terms such as "comprising", '¾aving," "including," or "containing" with reference to an element or elements is intended to provide support for a similar aspect or embodiment of the invention that "consists of, "consists essentially of, or "substantially comprises" that particular element or elements, unless otherwise stated or clearly contradicted by context (e.g., a composition described herein as comprising a particular element should be understood as also describing a composition consisting of that element, unless otherwise stated or clearly contradicted by context).
[0080] All headings and sub-headings are used herein for convenience only and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way.
[0081] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
[0082] The citation and incorporation of patent documents herein is done for convenience only and does not reflect any view of the validity, patentability, and/or enforceability of such patent documents.
[0083] This invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims and/or aspects appended hereto as permitted by applicable law.
References:
• US20150259706
• US20140154755
• Patil, et al. Improved synthesis of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) using Schizochytrium limacinum SR21 and sustainable media Chemical Engineering Journal 268 (2015) 187-196.
• Xie, Y., and Wang, G. (2015). Mechanisms of fatty acid synthesis in marine funguslike protists. Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 99, 8363-8375. doi:10.1007/s00253-015- 6920-7.
Claims
1. A method, comprising:
a. Providing a culture of microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family in a culture medium suitable for biomass production;
b. Supplying an organic carbon source comprising at least one of acetate and acetic acid; and
c. Culturing the microalgae in conditions suitable to increase a biomass density of the culture by at least 200%.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the supply of the organic carbon source further comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of sucrose, fructose, molasses, xylose, glycerol and glucose.
3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a source of nitrogen comprises at least one of monosodium glutamate (MSG), ammonia, ammonium, urea, nitrates, and glycine.
4. The method of any one of claims 1 -3, wherein the culture achieves a biomass weight yield per gram of organic carbon of up to 0.55.
5. The method of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the culture achieves a biomass
productivity rate of up to 60 g/L/day.
6. The method of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the culture conditions are non-sterile.
7. The method of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the supply of at least one of acetate and acetic acid is provided by a pH auxostat system
8. A method, comprising:
a. Providing a culture of microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family in a culture medium suitable for lipid production;
b. Supplying an organic carbon source comprising at least one of acetate and acetic acid; and
c. Culturing the microalgae in conditions suitable to increase a concentration of lipids in the culture by at least 200%.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the supply of the organic carbon source further comprises at least one of sucrose, fructose, molasses, xylose, glycerol and glucose.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein a source of nitrogen comprises at least one of
monosodium glutamate (MSG), ammonia, ammonium, urea, nitrates, and glycine.
11. The method of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the culture achieves an Omega-3 fatty acid weight yield per gram of organic carbon of up to 0.30.
12. The method of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the culture achieves a lipid productivity rate of up to 1.0 g/L/hr.
13. The method of any one of claims 8-12, wherein the culture conditions are non-axenic.
14. The method of any one of claims 8-13, wherein the supply of at least one of acetate and acetic acid is provided by a pH auxostat system
15. The method of any one of claims 8-14, wherein the supply of at least one of acetate and acetic acid is terminated prior to harvesting the microalgae to induce an increase in culture pH.
16. A method, comprising:
a. Providing a culture of microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family in an aqueous culture medium;
b. Supplying an organic carbon source comprising at least one of acetate and acetic acid;
c. Culturing the microalgae in a first set of culture conditions suitable to increase a biomass density of the culture; and
d. Culturing the microalgae in second set of culture conditions suitable to
increase a concentration of lipids in the culture.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the culture is disposed in an open bioreactor for at least part of the culture life.
18. A method, comprising:
a. Providing a culture of microalgae in the Thraustochytriaceae family in an aqueous culture medium;
b. Supplying an organic carbon source comprising at least one of acetate and acetic acid;
c. Culturing the microalgae in a first set of culture conditions suitable to increase a biomass density of the culture; and
d. Culturing the microalgae in a second set of culture conditions suitable for producing biomass accumulation through cell growth and lipid accumulation concurrently.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the second set of culture conditions comprise
nitrogen sufficient conditions.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the second set of conditions comprise an initial batch supply of nitrogen.
21. The method of claim 18, wherein the second set of conditions comprise no initial nitrogen in the aqueous culture medium
22. The method of claim 18, wherein the second set of conditions comprise a supply of nitrogen fed with a supply of the organic carbon.
23. The method of any one of claims 18-23, wherein the second set of conditions occur in a non-sterilized bioreactor.
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